As part of its all-age education hour, St. Matthew’s offers Sunday school for children ages three through the sixth grade, and educational programs for youth grades 7 through 12 (See the youth section for more details). The education hour is from 9:15 to 10:15 am Sunday morning, between our two services.
For its Sunday school, St. Matthew's was an early adopter of the innovative Godly Play program, which applies Montessori teaching methods to Christian education. The program is holistic, experiential, and worship-based, actively involving students in the learning process (in contrast to the dull and didactic Sunday school which many of us experienced). Older and younger children are in different sessions, using age-appropriate materials. We have been using the program since 1995 and have had very good experiences with it. This year, it will be used again for pre-kindergarten to third grade students.
Fourth, fifth & sixth graders are invited to experience Faithweavers, a curriculum which uses lively, multimedia approaches in making the Bible relevant to adolescents.
To enroll your child in Godly Play and Faithweavers, please contact Lis Christenson, at 651-646-2969 or e-mail lisdc@comcast.net. We would love to have you join!
Outline of Godly Play. Godly Play sessions incorporate five elements, corresponding to the main elements of the Episcopal church service:
- Approach to God. Singing, prayer, giving our offerings. (Corresponds to the processional hymn and opening prayer)
- Hearing God’s word. A story or lesson, told with hands-on materials (Corresponds to scripture readings and psalm)
- Responding to scripture. "Wondering" together, individual or small-group work with the story materials or art media (Corresponds to the sermon)
- Sharing a ritual feast. A hearty, healthy snack, eaten together, sometimes tying thematically with the lesson. (Corresponds to the Eucharist)
- "Good Word" good-bye. (Corresponds to the benediction and dismissal)
In a recent month, the stories for preschool/kindergarten group were about creation, Noah, Abram and Sarah, and the "Ten Best Ways to Live". The stories for grades 1-3 were on the altar, St. George, Joan of Arc, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mother Teresa. The stories for the grade 4-6 group were taken from Proverbs, with titles such as "The Wise and the Foolish" and "The Humble and the Proud."
When done well, Godly Play contributes to the moral development of children, and helps them see the church as a pleasant and engaging place. For more information:
